You Won't Believe Who's Secretly Pulling the Strings in the 2026 West Side Elections!

If you thought the political landscape in New York’s West Side was settled after the November elections, think again. The stage is set for a significant reshuffle in 2026, fueled by retirements, promotions, and strategic career shifts. As various political roles open up, the upcoming year promises a whirlwind of special elections at city, state, and federal levels, and here’s what you need to know about it.

At the forefront of this political transition is Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who stepped into his role as Manhattan Borough President on January 1. His departure has sparked the first of what is anticipated to be two special elections on the West Side this year. The vacancy in Hoylman-Sigal’s former 47th State Senate District will be filled by a special election on February 3, alongside other state-level contests arising from the November shake-ups. Notably, the race for Zohran Mamdani’s former Assembly seat in Queens is also part of this shift.

This Sunday, the Manhattan Democratic Party’s County Committee is set to convene to nominate a candidate for the Senate seat, and all signs point to Erik Bottcher as the front-runner. Bottcher’s path to this nomination has not been straightforward; he initially announced his candidacy for the seat of retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler but pivoted to the open State Senate seat shortly thereafter. His quick endorsements from a wide range of West Side elected officials have effectively cleared the field, establishing him as the Democratic favorite.

Should Bottcher win the Senate seat, it would open up his City Council position, necessitating another special election in the spring. This interim council member will serve until December 31, 2026, aligning with the crowded contest for Nadler’s seat, which will see at least ten candidates vying for position in the June primary.

Upcoming Special Elections: A Breakdown

As the political musical chairs play out, let’s break down the key races shaping what could be one of the busiest election years the West Side has seen in decades.

New York State Senate District 47 — February 3

The first contest takes place on February 3, with the Democratic nominee for the special election being selected by the party’s County Committee, comprising appointed representatives from each election district within Senate District 47. Bottcher’s candidacy, announced on December 22, emphasizes priorities such as housing affordability, mental health, environmental policy, and defending New York against the Trump agenda. Bottcher has represented Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and the West Village since January 2022.

City Council District 3 — Spring 2026

Following Bottcher’s potential election, his City Council seat will become vacant, triggering a non-partisan special election that utilizes ranked-choice voting. This interim council member will also serve through December 31, 2026, paving the way for a November general election to fill the remaining three years of Bottcher’s term. Four candidates have already announced their intent to run:

• Carl Wilson: Serving as Bottcher’s chief of staff, Wilson has deep roots in the district and has emphasized his commitment to its history and community.
• Layla Law-Gisiko: A Chelsea resident and local advocate, Law-Gisiko focuses on housing affordability and public health issues.
• Leslie Boghosian Murphy: A long-time community advocate and chair of Manhattan Community Board 4, Murphy has previously run for City Council and champions inclusive housing policies.
• Lindsey Boylan: Known for her role in bringing attention to sexual harassment in politics, Boylan emphasizes affordable housing and city infrastructure.

New York Congressional District 12 — June 23

Meanwhile, the race to replace Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District has drawn significant attention, with at least ten candidates already in the mix. This district spans from 14th Street to the northern edge of Central Park. Among the notable contenders are:

• Alex Bores: A State Assemblymember and former software engineer, Bores is known for sponsoring AI-related bills.
• Cameron Kasky: A co-founder of March for Our Lives and survivor of the Parkland shooting, Kasky is campaigning on progressive issues.
• Micah Lasher: Viewed as Nadler’s potential successor, Lasher is currently a State Assemblymember focused on tenant protections.
• George Conway: Recently entered the race, Conway is a corporate litigator and the former husband of Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway.

More candidates and potential surprises are expected as the 2026 elections approach, making it imperative for West Side residents to stay informed. Each race will not only shape the immediate political landscape but also influence policy directions on crucial issues such as housing, healthcare, and community well-being.

The coming months will be pivotal, and the West Side community is poised for a dynamic political season. As always, the stakes are high, and voter engagement remains crucial in determining who will ultimately lead and represent the interests of this vibrant community.